The Federal Government of Nigeria successfully evacuated another batch of 111 distressed citizens from South Africa amid escalating concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi confirmed the arrival of the latest group in a public statement released on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The returnees-consisting of 44 men, 23 women, and 44 children-landed safely in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Upon touching down, they were received by an inter-agency team of federal officials representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Funding and Repatriation Metrics
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this latest repatriation flight was fully financed through a donation of $265,854 from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). The church’s financial contribution was specifically earmarked to cover the one-way tickets of 500 distressed Nigerians requiring urgent evacuation from South Africa.
With this latest group processed, the RCCG-funded initiative has successfully brought home 318 individuals, leaving 182 more tickets to be utilized under the church’s initial pledge. Overall, the latest arrival marks the 15th official consular evacuation exercise conducted since the current federal repatriation operation officially commenced on June 10, 2026.
Cumulative Evacuation Statistics
- Total Nigerians Evacuated: 2,037 citizens
- Federal Government Funded: 1,388 individuals
- RCCG Sponsored: 318 individuals (with 182 remaining)
- Total Consular Flights/Operations: 15
Government Response and Appreciation
The Federal Government formally expressed its profound appreciation to the leadership of the RCCG, specifically acknowledging the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for his consistent humanitarian support and intervention during a critical national emergency.
Authorities reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to collaborating with South African state actors and regional stakeholders. The objective remains focused on addressing the root causes of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks while actively safeguarding the fundamental human rights, welfare, safety, and dignity of all Nigerian expatriates residing within South African borders.
Safety Advisories for Nigerians in South Africa
In light of persistent anti-migrant tensions, protests, and sporadic unrest documented in urban hubs like Johannesburg and Durban, the Nigerian government has issued guidance to citizens currently remaining in South Africa.
“The Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare and well-being,” the ministry stated.
Nigerians abroad have been strongly advised to maintain strict compliance with local laws, stay vigilant, and prioritize their personal security at all times. Officials urged expatriates to maintain open communication channels with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg whenever emergency consular intervention or assistance is required.
